### The Bay Psalm Book: An Introduction to the Oldest Book Written in English in America

#### Overview

The Bay Psalm Book, also known as "The Whole Booke of Psalmes Faithfully Translated into English Metre," holds the distinction of being the first book written in English in what is now the United States. Published in 1640, this book is not only a significant artifact of American history but also a cornerstone in the development of American literature and religious life. The creation of The Bay Psalm Book marks a notable moment in the history of the English language and printing in North America.

#### Historical Context

The Bay Psalm Book was conceived and created during a time of religious reform and migration. In the early 17th century, a group of English Puritans fled religious persecution in England and settled in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. These settlers, seeking to establish a community founded on their theological principles, paid special attention to religious texts and their interpretations.

The Puritans were dissatisfied with the existing English translations of the biblical psalms, which they found to be not faithful enough to the original Hebrew texts. They sought a version that could be used both in personal devotion and communal worship, reflecting their desire to adhere closely to the scriptures.

#### Creation and Publication

The translation of the psalms was undertaken by a group of thirty clerics led by John Cotton, Richard Mather, and John Eliot. Their work aimed to produce a version that was more aligned with the Hebrew original than the then-popular King James Version. Each of the translators worked on different sections, striving for a text that maintained the poetic nature of the psalms while being suitable for singing in the Puritan congregations.

The printing of the book was carried out by Stephen Daye, credited as the first printer in British North America. The press used for this significant undertaking had been shipped from England and was set up in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The initial run produced approximately 1,700 copies, a significant number for the time and place.

#### Content and Features

The Bay Psalm Book consists of translations of the biblical psalms and included several other religious texts, such as catechisms and religious creeds, which were essential for teaching Puritan beliefs and practices. The translations are noted for their adherence to the Hebrew text, but their poetic and lyrical qualities suffered as a result. Despite this, the book was widely adopted and used extensively across the Massachusetts Bay Colony for worship.

#### Legacy and Significance

The Bay Psalm Book is immensely significant not just as a religious text but also as a cultural artifact. It was the first book printed in English in the New World and heralded the beginnings of an American tradition of literature. Its existence underscores the importance of religion and scripture in the lives of early American settlers and reflects the hardships and challenges faced by the Puritan community in maintaining their cultural identity in a new world.

Today, copies of The Bay Psalm Book are exceedingly rare and highly valuable. In 2013, one of the eleven surviving copies was sold at auction for over $14 million, highlighting its significance as a piece of cultural and historical heritage.

#### Conclusion

The Bay Psalm Book not only symbolizes the transplantation and adaptation of English culture in North America but also represents the profound influence of religious belief on the lives of America's early settlers. As a historical artifact, it offers invaluable insights into the social, cultural, and religious practices of the time, making it a cornerstone of American history and a key object of study for historians and scholars alike.